Thursday practice update

The Ducks were in Autzen Stadium this morning for a workout in helmets, their final practice prior to Friday’s walk-through and Saturday’s 12:30 p.m. game against No. 6 California.

My impression was that Chip Kelly was particularly intense Wednesday, but he said today he didn’t think his mood has been any different as the conference opener looms.

“They’ve practiced really well all week,” Kelly said.

No changes on the injury report today, so the status of free safety T.J. Ward and receiver Rory Cavaille remains in question.

And for the second week in a row, Kelly said he has been pleased with the way the Ducks have practiced in the passing game.

“We’ve had a good week of preparation,” Kelly said. “We’re in the same rhythm we’ve been in.”

That didn’t translate into a positive passing performance against Utah last week, as the Ducks went just 4-of-16. But Kelly remains steadfast in sticking to his predetermined practice plan, and said he is again optimistic about the passing game.

“I’m excited about how they’re practicing this week,” Kelly said.

A smokey haze from forest fires in the southern Willamette Valley has enveloped Eugene the last few days, but Kelly said it hasn’t affected the Ducks.

“I didn’t even know what it was, so I don’t think it’s bothered them,” Kelly said,

The other thing I asked about had to do with the scout-team offense. Last season, the Ducks had the benefit of practicing against LaMichael James when they prepared to face the likes of Cal’s Jahvid Best. This year, the only scholarship running back on the scout team has been LeGarrette Blount, and his participation has been inconsistent, so local walk-on Craig Loper has taken a lot of those reps.

“Loper does a nice job down there,” Kelly said. “Obviously being thin at running back, that hurts us a little bit in that we can’t put one of those guys down there. But that happens, and that’s kind of on a yearly basis.

“Last year with our quarterback situation, we weren’t able to send them a great quarterback that was the developmental quarterback of the future, but we were able to send them a running back. Right now (true freshman quarterback) Daryle Hawkins is doing a really nice job down there; I don’t know if every year you’re going to be able to send them a great quarterback and a great running back and a great tight end. …

“LaMichael was really good at providing them with some dynamic looks, and that benefited them. But you’ve got to live with what you’ve got.”

It should be noted that, through three games, Oregon is holding opposing running backs under their season averages, so the defense has been adequately prepared, no question.

Finally, today’s practice was closed over some concerns about reporting done here and elsewhere this week, regarding potential starters and quarterback performance earlier in the week. Covering practice involves navigating a fine line between providing fans who can’t attend with a snapshot of the team, while not violating what has become an increasingly rare privilege nationally, and I had a good conversation with Kelly today about what he is and isn’t OK with. Hopefully things will be back to normal next week.